Now I've gone and done it. Traveling alone. Both shoulders are hurt, and I can't lift more than a pocketbook. Forget carryons, unless the attendants will hoist it for me. Forget a lot of the great plans you all have helped me with. It's down to this: My first wheels down outside of USA is Frankfort. I am guessing that I'll be a mess. Here are my questions: 1. Do I need to see a doctor and get a note to get handicap help? 2. How do I arrange help to pull the suitcases from the luggage go round at the airports? Am I right in remembering that you get your things and go through customs on your first landing? 3. If one goes through customs, how might one do it if you can't pull your suitcase?
4. Anything else? I would pay the money to postpone, but there are grandchildren counting on me. Leaving Saturday morning..... Thanks.
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
The Result: First of all, maybe 60 isn't a good age to switch to the butterfly stroke. Second, I took Rose's advice and scored some swell prednisone, always welcome, never abused, and a note from the doc telling them of my limits. It looks like Frankfort is completely full service; you can hire a minder or whatever they call it. Good to know. Actually, it should have been a research topic of mine in the past. Finally, if there is any difficulty, it will be nothing that Prosecco can't cure. Thanks to you all.
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Prosecco and Prednisone - nice cocktail! :) Have a great trip!
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Speaking from personal experience, I think you should see a doctor ASAP. If you have a torn rotator cuff or damaged meniscus in one or both of your shoulders it could get much worse if you try to lift or transport heavy items during your trip. You could end up requiring surgery.
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
This I know. I won't be lifting if I can find help. (Original injury in Munich airport last fall.)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
If Frankfurt is just a connection to elsewhere in Europe and the connecting flight is on the same ticket, your bags should be checked through to your final destination, and you will go through customs there. In over 25 years (12 European arrivals) I've never had anything checked in customs.
Posted by
Denver, CO
796 posts
So sorry to hear this! You mention your grandchildren - are you meeting them somewhere or are they traveling with you? Can they assist?
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
That would be perfection. I'm still not sure what happened in Munich last year, but there were checks, and lines, and, ultimately, an injury. I know - everyone else loves Munich. It was probably something really important that knowing German would have helped. Thanks.
And Rose, I have an appointment with my sports doc because I felt irresponsible after your post!
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
I didn't mean to make you feel irresponsible; I was only concerned for your well-being. I hope all turns out well.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
When are you going to be at FRA airport? And what's your final destination?
Posted by
OP
United States
223 posts
6:15 - 10:10 on Sunday, 30/6/13. That airport is so fantastic, I might find a massage or an acupuncturist! If I'm on the pain killer, I must make a note not to hit the shops. I made very poor decisions the last time they gave me drugs (I sawed open a screen on my porch to set free a hummingbird that had gotten in. I think that qualifies!) Final destination is Naples. Update: After a total of 4 hours on hold - 3 sessions of waiting, USAirways is letting me check what I need to, even on a short coach leg (which they should, but it helped to get confirmation) and I can board at the end, so not only will I be safe, but I don't have to have the 'beep beep car'. They will be not at all full because of my weight restriction for a few more days. Thanks to you all.